Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Ben White new deal CONFIRMED, Tierney asking price set, Gabriel Martinelli injury latest
BEN WHITE has signed a new long-term contract at Arsenal, the club have confirmed.
Meanwhile, the Gunners have reportedly set their asking price for Kieran Tierney.
The Scotland international, currently on loan at Real Sociedad, is on the radar of a number of Premier League sides as well as boyhood club Celtic.
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Netz gain
Arsenal are looking to beat Man Utd to the signing of Lucas Netz.
The Borussia Monchengladbach defender has featured heavily in the Bundesliga this campaign and impressed with five assists.
According to HITC, the Red Devils have also sent scouts to sign the left-back.
The 20-year-old was signed from Hertha Berlin in 2021.
Prem clubs vote for Uefa-style income rules
Premier League clubs have voted to switch from the current Profitability and Sustainability Rules to a new system, write CIARAN WISEMAN and MARTIN LIPTON.
The new system would mirror Uefa’s Squad Cost Ratio, tying spending on wages and transfers to a fixed percentage of income.
Clubs voted at a top flight "shareholders" meeting, with a broad agreement for the new system.
However, treble winners Manchester City did vote against the proposed switch.
The new system could be introduced as early as this summer and will not affect the ongoing cases against Everton, Nottingham Forest and City. Their cases will instead be judged on the existing financial models, report .
Forest and Everton were both charged with PSR breaches for the 2022/23 season back in January. The Toffees have already faced a six-point deduction this term for a previous PSR breach, with their penalty reduced from 10 points on appeal.
As for City, they were charged with over 100 breaches of the Premier League's financial rules between 2009 and 2018 in February 2023 following a four-year investigation.
Meanwhile, clubs rejected voting on the proposed £995m funding deal for the EFL - in a huge rebuff for chief executive Richard Masters.
Tierney asking price
Arsenal have set an asking price for Kieran Tierney.
The Scotland defender is on loan at Real Sociedad in LaLiga.
According to Give Me Sport, any clubs that wish to sign him after that loan will have to pay £20million.
The left-back has been eyed up for a return to Celtic, as well as some other Premier League clubs.
Carragher on title race
Jamie Carragher has revealed his thoughts on the title race.
He said on Sky Sports: "If City beat Arsenal, I think they'll be strong favourites. Arsenal and Liverpool need a three or four-point gap heading into the final five games of the season if they were to top City.
"If you're Arsenal today, you're thinking this is the perfect result. Liverpool will be thinking the same in a couple of weeks time when City face Arsenal.
"Arsenal and Liverpool are both trying to chase down City. They're the team to beat still. City drop points here and it feels like if they're going to drop any more it's going to be in the next three or four games.
"Even though Arsenal are top, from a Liverpool point of view I would rather see Arsenal go and win at the Etihad or a draw. Certainly not a City win because with City's last five games of the season, you'd look at them and think they'll get maximum points.
"If they don't lose any more points in the next three or four games, they'll be tough to stop.
"We can look at these fixtures, but it's also what's in between them. Liverpool are playing in the Europa League while Arsenal and City are in the Champions League.
"If Liverpool and Man City get to the FA Cup semi-finals, let's see if they meet each other in that semi-final.
"That can take a lot out of you physically and psychologically. Then a league game has to be put in between so you play three league games in a week.
"From a Liverpool point of view, I'm hoping City and Arsenal meet each other in the quarter-finals of the Champions League because when you play an English team in Europe, there's something extra about it which builds up and it takes it out of you.
"There's so much more than what we're looking at in terms of the fixtures."
Next five Premier League games
Man City (A) - March 31
Luton Town (H) - April 3
Brighton (A) - April 6
Aston Villa (H) - April 13
Wolves (A) - April 20
Williams chase
Tottenham are considering rivalling Arsenal for the signature of Nico Williams.
The Athletic Bilbao has been a rising star in LaLiga, and is still only 21-years-old.
Chelsea have also been credited with an interest for the winger.
The Gunners are said to be keen on adding cover for Bukayo Saka.
Stick with him
Last year, Aaron Ramsdale used to take his mind off the pressures of playing for Arsenal by collecting and swapping Panini stickers with the kit men and groundsmen.
And the Gunners keeper admits he still relies on being “normalised” by the club staff – especially after being axed as No.1 back in September.
He explained: “Last year myself, Dan who was our player liaison, Adam who works at the training ground and Jonesy the kit man – we completed our Panini sticker albums.
“Every morning I would be down in their office with them, spending hours swapping stickers. They have all helped this season too.”
Frank response
Brentford manager Thomas Frank has revealed what he said to Aaron Ramsdale after the match against Arsenal, following the Gunners keeper's howler.
"I think I actually said to Ramsdale I don't think he deserves to be criticised for a mistake," he said.
"I think it's more unbelievable pressure from Wissa. If you see the way he accelerates it could happen to David Raya.
"I said I think he's a very good keeper and I didn't want him to be involved in that situation. Again I can't say strongly enough I don't think it was a mistake, but very good pressure from Wissa."
Tight at the top
With Liverpool and Man City only drawing, the Gunners remain top of the tree.
Their goal difference is superior, but it's most definitely a three-horse race this year.
Who will blink first?
White lauded
Ian Wright has lauded Ben White for his performance against Brentford.
“I thought again Ben White was magnificent, Saka also done very well,” Wright said on Match of the Day.
“Ben White has been brilliant. He has been playing very well. You have got people like Ben White stepping up with his assists, Kai in four games, Declan scoring now, it has been brilliant.”
Keane cannot call it
Roy Keane has admitted he can't see where the title is going this season.
Arsenal remained top, as Liverpool and Man City fought out a 1-1 draw.
Before the game, Keane said on Sky Sports: "If you asked me what camp I’d be in, and I’m including Arsenal, I wouldn’t know which to choose to be honest.
"Arsenal are doing really well, they look strong physically, they look different to last year but then you have Man City who have had Haaland out injured and De Bruyne coming back after months out so it’s a really hard one to call."
Keane added: " Every team is desperate to win football matches and to win trophies. When you look at the background, the context of the match with Jurgen Klopp leaving at the end of the season, they've already won one trophy this season but I'm always reluctant to write off Manchester City and Pep Guardiola. What they've done over the last few years has been incredible and for me, it’s a hard one to call."
The Gunners hold onto top spot
After a blockbuster Sunday afternoon of football Liverpool drew 1-1 with Manchester City.
And for Arsenal, this was the best outcome of today's title clash.
Mikel Arteta's squad still sit in the top spot of the Premier League on equal points to the Reds but ahead on goal difference.
Going into their next clash against Manchester City they will need to secure all three points against Pep Guardiola's side.
Arsenal still on top
Manchester City opened the scoreline in the first half thanks to John Stones's strike.
But in the opening stages of the second 45 Ederson who came on to replace injured Stefan Ortega gave a penalty to Liverpool.
And Alexis Mac Allister did not waste the opportunity to level the game out after his stunning spot kick.
This leaves Arsenal still at the top of the table with just under half an away of game time left to go.
Arsenal teammates give Ramsdale clear message
Arsenal's players were quick to show their love for Aaron Ramsdale after he played a big role in the eventual 2-1 win over Brentford on Saturday.
Ramsdale's first-half blunder saw his clearance head straight into the onrushing Yoane Wissa and saw the ball end up in his own net.
But after the game, the shot-stopper shared a post on Instagram with a teammate sharing their support for the axed No1 goalie.
Declan Rice wrote, ";Kept us in it brother we stick together [red heart emoji]".
Whilst Emile Smith Rowe, Jurrien Timber, Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz and Willian Saliba also added hearts to the comments.
Ian Wright also joined in, as did Women's star Beth Mead.
Ramsdale responds to fans saying 'You’re just a s**t Raya”
Aaron Ramsdale who has been axed of being Arsenal No1 shot-stopper this season responded to opposition fans calling him a "s*** David Raya".
Ramsdale is likely to leave the Emirates this summer with Chelsea leading as the frontrunner to sign him.
But the goalkeeper said he has to be more reserved in training and the dressing room before games this season “because of where I’ve got to and the situation I’m in.”
He continued: “You’ve got to be more reserved and pick your times of when to have a laugh and a joke.
“Before a game I’m actually quite quiet. I’ve never been one to rant and rave before a game, probably on the basis that if you give it out to people, then you don’t do your own job properly, it can come back on you.”
Arsenal's next five games
Before heading back into the Premier League to continue their battle for the title, the Gunners must seal things off with Porto in the Champions League clash.
Porto are ahead 1-0 on aggregate after Mikel Arteta's side failed to break the curse of losing at the Portuguese giants.
But after their European match, they face league title contenders City - meaning the next few weeks will not be easy, to say the least for Arsenal.
Here's how things look.
Three things Toney showed Arteta on Arsenal audition
Ivan Toney gave his all in Brentford's late 2-1 loss at Arsenal - but showed three things to boss Arteta in his Arsenal audition.
His ability to challenge one of the best central defenders in the world right now William Saliba.
His Ariel dominance - it is not easy to beat one of either Saliba or Gabriel in the air with even a decent run-up, but Toney showed he has the spring with a few headers clutched out of the sky.
Toney also showed Arteta the nitty and gritty side of him after he held on to Ben White’s arm for longer than necessary from a goal kick had the Arsenal right-back all riled up.
What Frank said to Ramsdale
In first-half stoppage time, Aaron Ramsdale endured a nightmare moment, when his clearance was blocked into the net by Yoane Wissa.
But Thomas Frank had a few words for the Gunners shot-stopper.
The Dane, 50, said: "I think I actually said to Ramsdale I don’t think he deserves to be criticised for a mistake.
"I think it’s more unbelievable pressure from Wissa. If you see the way he accelerates it could happen to David Raya.
"I think it was fantastic pressure from Wissa and if you saw how many times they went long every single time we were very brave to go man to man."
Pressed further for what he told Ramsdale, Frank added: "I said I think he’s a very good keeper and I didn’t want him to be involved in that situation.
"Again I can’t say strongly enough I don’t think it was a mistake, but very good pressure from Wissa."
Credit: Reuters Havertz appears to snap at Jamie Redknapp
Kai Havertz appeared to be annoyed when he was asked his best position
Havertz's 86th minute winner against Brentford lifted his side above Liverpool and Man City.
But many have questioned the German's spot in Arteta's squad and he plays best including Redknapp.
Havertz however snapped when being asked his preferred position.
He said: "I don't know how many times I answered this question already," he said.
"I'm just happy to be on the pitch. I'm not a player who only plays in one position.
"Sometimes it's good, sometimes its bad, but it suits me quite well.
"I just love it in this team. I love to play as the false nine, the eight, as the No10, wherever you want me to go.
"In Germany. I played as a left-back as well, so it's all good."
Havertz ‘shouldn’t have been on pitch’ to score winner
Brentford boss Thomas Frank insists Arsenal's late match-winner Kai Havertz should have been sent off earlier.
Havertz escaped a second yellow card for what appeared a clear dive then went on the score the winner in the 86th minute.
Frank told Sky Sports: "I actually don't think Havertz should be on the pitch when he scored the goal.
"For me it was a clear dive when it was a penalty shout. If you see it back slowly it's clear.
"Maybe it's difficult for the ref but the linesman should have seen it, in my opinion."
Arsenal round-up
The Gunners are back in the top spot of the Premier League - but this may not last for long.
Manchester City take on Liverpool in the ultimate league title clash this afternoon at Anfield.
A win from Liverpool could see Arsenal instantly lose their lead.
The same goes for City as a victory will also see Mikel Arteta's squad demoted from the first-place position.
For the North London boys, the best result will be a draw as they will continue to lead with their magnificent goal difference.
Arteta on Ramsdale
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta praises Aaron Ramsdale despite his gaffe which led to Brentford's equaliser.
A special day. Really top opponent in front of us. Conceding the goal made life more difficult, it was a beautiful challenge in the second half, but we were so insistent and determined.
That's the courage Aaron has. His personality. Mistakes are part of football. I'm so happy for him and we won the game.
You have to win every game with the level you have. I'm really pleased with what we've done.
The whole game, the way the stadium and fans reacted and pushed the team. The noise, energy, passion in every ball is just a joy to be there. The supporters are fully behind the team with every ball, thank you so much.
The hardest thing in elite sport is to play every three days and train every day at an elite standard. The willingness within the team is phenomenal.
Mikel ArtetaAaron Ramsdale gaffe
Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale committed a dreadful gaffe that led to Brentford's goal.
Ramsdale dented his hopes of regaining the regular Gunners' No1 spot from David Raya by gifting Yoanne Wissa an equaliser at the Emirates.
The North Londoners were cruising after Declan Rice nodded an opener on 19 minutes until the ex-Sheffield United keeper made his horrendous misjudgement.
The 25-year-old looked too casual as he controlled a backpass across his goal.
But as he went to clear it with his second kick, the onrushing Wissa lunged out a leg to intercept in the six-yard box.
The ball ricocheted off the Bees' ace in the six-yard box and into the net.
But after Kai Havertz headed Arsenal to the top of the Premier League with a late winner, Ramsdale responded to the flak he had received from Brentford fans by cupping his ears to them.
Credit: Sky Sports Arsanl's Mik taker
Premier League legend Alan Shearer has admitted that he would have hated playing under Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.
I never worked under an Arteta kind of manager, someone manically cajoling, telling you exactly where to stand or exactly what to do.
I’ve always been of the opinion that if you’re a good player, then you know that stuff anyway. If I felt I needed to drift out to the right wing or the left wing or even drop deep, I would do it myself.
And as a captain, I felt I had the authority to tell my fellow players to do something. If it needed saying, I would say it.
Not everybody is like that, though. Some footballers are brighter than others. Some are needier than others. Some are more effective when they are given precise instructions and are forced to stick to them.
Shouting, repeating, shouting again and reiterating straightforward messages might be the best way to get through.
Alan ShearerArsenal subs rated
And here's how Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta's subs performed against Brentford:
GABRIEL JESUS (JORGINHO, 70) – 6
REISS NELSON (TROSSARD, 78) – N/A
OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO (KIWIOR, 78) – N/A
THOMAS PARTEY (ODEGAARD, 90) - N/A
